The trio of Bertolacci, Antonelli and Kucka are back in the line up after relative short times on the injured list. Bertolacci may be the only one of the three to start as the rest of the lineup – in midfield and defense – is likely to remain unchanged. De Sciglio, Romagnoli, Zapata and Calabria will start in front of Lopez and be joined with the aforementioned Italy international, Montolivo and de Jong in the center of the pitch. Bonaventura, scorer of two goals so far including a perfect free kick at Udinese, will sit behind the front two and try to keep his good form going.

Some reports expect the front two to be changed again. It seems that Balotelli will start with Luiz Adriano this time and Bacca rested. This may not be the best decision however. Fatigue prevention in a season outside of Europe is less important, especially in September and at a time when the team seems to be taking shape and winning points.

Perhaps the bigger issue that came out of the 3-2 win at Udinese is keeping up the intensity and not conceding goals. The decision to substitute Alex for Calabria very early in the second half was surprising and added chaos to the falling intensity after an excellent first half. It simply didn’t work and the rationale or reasoning given – adding height – seems a misread by Mihajlovic.

On the Genoa side Goran Pandev and Issa Cissokho are suspended after picking up red cards in their 2-0 away to Lazio. The Liguria team have won just one out of five games so far and are not in good form.